British boxer Scott Westgarth with his team after a previous victory
Boxers, promoters and fans have paid tribute to British fighter Scott Westgarth, who has died aged 31.
Westgarth was rushed to hospital after collapsing following his points victory over Dec Spelman in a ten-round title eliminator at the Doncaster Dome on Saturday night. Westgarth is believed to have suffered a bleed on the brain, the Daily Star reports.
The Newcastle fighter had looked uncomfortable during the post-fight interview. Paramedics were called after he was taken ill backstage. He died in Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital last night, according to the Daily Mirror.
Saturday night’s main bout was cancelled following Westgarth’s collapse. Former footballer Curtis Woodhouse, who was due to fight in the headline event, led the tributes to the light heavyweight. Woodhouse tweeted: “Heartbreaking news about Scott Westgarth. RIP champ.”
Other fighters and promoters also paid tribute on social media. Spelman was horrified to hear the news about Westgarth following their bout on Saturday, tweeting: “Absolutely heartbroken and lost for words. [I will] continue to pray for Scott’s family and the people close to him. Rest easy my friend.”
Stefy Bull, promoter of Saturday’s event.
God bless @scottwestgarth 2 promote a Boxing show and a young man doing a job he loves losing his life I have no words RIP lad thoughts go out 2 yr family and yr team it%u2019s been the hardest few days I%u2019ve had to endure no idea what 2 do moving forward %uD83D%uDC94%uD83D%uDE14
— Stefy Bull (@StefyBull) February 26, 2018
“May he rest in peace,” said Eddie Hearn.
Our thoughts and condolences with the family of Scott Westgarth, may he rest in peace %uD83D%uDE4F%uD83C%uDFFC%uD83D%uDE14
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) February 26, 2018
“This game is so dangerous.”
I'm driving to the gym to train and the radio has informed me Scott Westgarth has lost his life after Saturday nights fight. I'm gutted. This game is so dangerous.
— Tommy Coyle (@TommyCoyle89) February 26, 2018
“A tough burden to bear in moments like this,” said Audley Harrison.
Saddened to hear of Boxer Scott Westgarth passing after his fight on Saturday - prize fighting is the noble art - but the price the fighters pay for that privilege, is a tough burden to bear in moments like this %uD83D%uDE4F%uD83C%uDFFE RIP %u2728
— Audley Harrison MBE (@audleyharrison) February 26, 2018
British boxing legend Frank Bruno shared a GoFundMe page set up to help Westgarth’s family following his passing.
Very saddened to hear a boxer has lost his life, my thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. RIP Scott Westgarth %uD83D%uDE4F%uD83C%uDFFD https://t.co/eDQKS9ZLG0
— Frank Bruno MBE (@frankbrunoboxer) February 26, 2018
No comments: